AWSOM pet clinic for homeless meets need among area's destitute

Thursday

Mar 28, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Two stray dogs recently brought to the Animal Welfare Society of Monroe's Stroud Township shelter were in such poor shape that one had to be euthanized and the other died just moments after being dropped off.

ANDREW SCOTT

Two stray dogs recently brought to the Animal Welfare Society of Monroe's Stroud Township shelter were in such poor shape that one had to be euthanized and the other died just moments after being dropped off.

"The dogs were brought to us on Fridays a week apart," said AWSOM Vice President Jeannie Lee.

The first was a chihuahua, about 13 to 14 years old, which had been found near the Stroudsburg McDonald's, Lee said. Seeing its grave condition, a veterinarian said it was more humane to euthanize the dog rather than let it live much longer in pain.

The second appeared to be a Yorkshire terrier with hair so matted with filth that its eyes weren't visible. The dog was coughing up blood and died shortly after being brought to the shelter.

"What concerned us was that we found absolutely no one at all looking for these dogs," Lee said. "It made us wonder if the dogs' owners had been homeless and decided to just let the dogs go because they could no longer care for them. We're aware that homeless shelters in our area don't allow or aren't equipped to handle pets, and that homeless people have no access to veterinary care, food or grooming for their pets."

With this in mind, AWSOM has planned a free pet health care clinic for the homeless from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at the Salvation Army Citadel on Washington Street in East Stroudsburg.

Dr. Pat McCabe of Canadensis Veterinary Clinic and Dr. Eric Wayne of Pocono Veterinary Services will donate their time to provide updated vaccinations, flea/tick treatments and other services.

Pets will also receive grooming needs and care packages including pet food, collapsible bowls, collars, leashes and other items.

"AWSOM's going to be signing up pet owners so we can get them pet food on a monthly basis," Lee said. "We'll find out where the owners are staying so we can deliver the food to them if they can't find a way to get to us."

Faith Kimes, wife of the Rev. Edward Kimes at East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church, works with the homeless and was recently notified about this upcoming free pet health care clinic.

"I think it's incredible what they're doing," Kimes said. "I've told the homeless people I'm in contact with about it, and they're very excited. It's really touched a nerve because pet care is a huge concern with the homeless. So far, I've counted about 35 to 40 pets who could benefit from this clinic.

"This is really a great thing because homeless people love their pets just as much as many people with homes love their pets, and they deserve access to the same care for their pets that others have," she said.

AWSOM is accepting donated new or used dog collars of all sizes, leashes and clean pet-sized blankets for the care packages to be handed out at the clinic. These can be dropped off at the Godfrey Ridge Road shelter in Stroud Township or by calling 570-421-3647.

Monetary donations for buying vaccinations and other supplies can be sent to AWSOM's Yelp For Help Fund. Lee can be contacted at 570-730-3255 or jeannie777@verizon.net for information.